Redmond, Washington

North Lake is everything you could want in a subalpine lake: emerald green hues, cold, clear water, lots of brook trout and far from cell-phone reception. This backpack is perfect when the weather gets hot and sunny, though it does reside in what is known as “the wettest section of the Cascades,...

Starting at an elevation of 3,300 feet, begin the hike on a steep gravel road for 1/4 of a mile. Take a left onto a dirt road that will lead to an area of clear cuts and windy switchbacks.As daunting as this may seem, don't be discouraged. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of Snoqualmie Pass ...

From Skykomish, WA drive east on SR 2 roughly 1 mile and turn left on the Beckler River Road, FS RD 65. Drive north on this road approximately 7 miles taking a sharp right at the pavement's end just before crossing the Rapid River.  You are now on FS RD 6520.  Continue on this road bearing left a...

The trail starts by lazily winding through beautiful forest. Fairly quickly, you'll reach a fork for the Upper and Lower Elliot Creek Trails. Both will take you to Goat Lake in about the same distance (~3 miles), but each offers a different take on the area. The lower trail winds along as it foll...

This trail is a perfect winter hike for the average outdoorsmen. Be warned that the most difficult part of this hike is getting to the trailhead in winter. The Mountain-loop highway can be a dangerous drive with black ice, snow, and serious potholes along the way. Take proper precautions like cha...

If you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...

Boulder River is a great outing for those days when you feel like you just need a good hike through the forest. This makes for a nice long day hike, but because both of the large waterfalls are within the first half of the trail, you can still see the falls without going the whole way. One of the...

Murhut Falls offers visitors a relatively easy 1.6-mile round-trip hike to a stunning 130-foot two-tiered waterfall on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula. This family-friendly trail provides a perfect introduction to the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Essential Detai...

The Dose Forks Campground is an overlooked campsite deep within the Olympic National Park, making it a perfect weekend camping destination. A mild, 7.5 mile (one-way) trail delivers you to this enchanting area and is a must for those who love photographing forests. There are no reservation requir...

This hike is 7.4 miles roundtrip, with 2100 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ...

The Trail: With very little elevation gain, the first three miles of the trail are the easiest; the next mile up to Rachel Lake is great work out. After reaching Rachael Lake, look for the sign that says "trail" to find your way to Rampart Lakes. While there are many side trails that turn out ...

Getting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rach...

Start off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...

Begin at the Rachel Lake Trailhead and fill out the registry with your individual/group information.As you start the hike heading Northwest towards the lake itself, the trail begins to steadily climb from its initial elevation of 2500 feet. Once you cross the Alpine Lake Wilderness sign, the path...

This trail starts off going through the forest of fir and hemlock for the first mile. Once you reach the top of the first hill, you will get a glimpse of all the views you will have the opportunity to enjoy later on. As you descend, the trees will start to thin out. The trail follows the ridge l...

This trail offers amazing views of Mt. Baker, Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands, and the Cascade Mountains. The Point Wilson trail is located in Fort Worden State Park on the Olympic Peninsula, along the Strait of Juan De Fuca. The trail is 2.5 miles round trip, and is accessible regardless ...